“I know.”

“But honesty… honesty is a foundation we can build on.”

Before he could respond, a triumphant shout echoed from the living room. “Grandpa Robert, come look!” My father flinched at the title, his eyes darting to mine in panic.

He stood paralyzed at the threshold of the room, and I found myself wondering whether he had the courage to step into the messiness of our lives—or whether the fear would make him turn and walk back out the door forever.

Chapter 5: Building on the Ruins

I didn’t rescue him from the moment. I didn’t nudge him forward, and I didn’t offer him an excuse to retreat. I just watched the war wage behind his aging eyes.

Slowly, deliberately, Robert stepped into the living room.